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#3 – The Chinese connection
However, should Bale decide on a completely new challenge, there is a connection for him in the Chinese Super League. Former Wales manager Chris Coleman is the current manager of Hebei China Fortune, and the pair enjoyed their greatest hour together when Wales reached the semi-final of UEFA EURO 2016. The chance to once again work with his former boss would be a very attractive prospect for Bale.
Chinese clubs have made significant investments into players like Bale, and the standard of football would ensure that he would be an instant success. The slower pace of the game in comparison to the Premier League would work in his favour as injuries continue curtail his influence in this key aspect of his game, and he would very much be the big fish in a small pond.
However, Bale has struggled with Spanish despite spending the last six years in Madrid, and learning Chinese would be a complete different prospect all together. Quite simply, it would never happen. As a cultural experience though, it would represent an incredible opportunity for him and his family, and Coleman has the persuasive charm to attract them to the Far East if the move looks like becoming a reality.
The chance of Bale making this particular switch at this time in his career though appears slim. Despite his injuries and lack of current form, he still has more to offer than the Chinese Super League, and this may be an option for another day later in his career.
